Here's the guide you asked for on Instagram 👋
Korea eSIM vs SIM card vs pocket Wi-Fi
- eSIM
- Data only, easiest, no Korean phone number
- Prepaid SIM
- Calls, texts and data on a Korean 010 number, opened with a passport
- Pocket Wi-Fi
- One router shared by your group
- Deal
- Welcome Week Oct 30 – Nov 15, 2026: pocket Wi-Fi and eSIM up to 25% off, AREX express ₩2,000 off
A data-only eSIM, a prepaid SIM with a Korean 010 number, or a pocket Wi-Fi router? Here's which one fits your trip, when a Korean phone number matters, and the Welcome Week deals running until Nov 15, 2026.
Incheon International Airport · Photo: Maksym Kozlenko (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons
Which one fits your trip
- ESIMData-only eSIM
Easiest: you set it up on your phone before you land, so maps, chats and photos work from the airport. It gives you data only, with no Korean phone number.
- SIMPrepaid SIM with a 010 number
Calls, texts and data on a Korean number. Short-term visitors can open a prepaid SIM with just a passport, no residence card needed.
- WI-FIPocket Wi-Fi router
One small router that the whole group connects to. Good if you stay together all day; less handy if you split up.
Do you need a Korean phone number?
- OFTENDelivery apps and online shops
Food delivery apps and shopping sites like Coupang ask for a Korean phone number or ID check, so short-term visitors on a data-only eSIM often can't sign up.
- NOT ALWAYSA 010 number isn't always an ID check
A telecom company that serves foreigners notes that a prepaid number opened with a passport may not work for every app's phone verification.
- NAVERPassport verification in Naver
Since June 4, 2026, Naver lets visitors with a foreign passport verify their identity to book, order and pay in Naver Map, without a Korean number.
How to buy
- 1Decide: data only, or calls and texts too
If you only need maps and chat apps, a data-only eSIM is enough.
- 2Compare four things
Data amount, number of days, whether a 010 number is included, and the airport pickup time (for SIMs).
- 3Order before the trip
More visitors now apply for a SIM or eSIM before arriving and collect the SIM at the airport.
Affiliate link: if you book, Seoulful earns a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Welcome Week deals (Oct 30 – Nov 15, 2026)
- UP TO 25%Pocket Wi-Fi and eSIM
Discounts for foreign visitors during the Korea Grand Festival's Welcome Week, with info booths at Incheon Airport and other entry points.
- ₩2,000 OFFAREX express train
The Incheon Airport express train to Seoul Station is discounted during Welcome Week.
Say it in Korean (show this screen)
- 1I'd like a SIM card for travelers.
yeo-haeng-yong yu-sim ju-se-yo
여행용 유심 주세요 - 2Does it come with a phone number?
jeon-hwa-beon-ho i-sseo-yo?
전화번호 있어요? - 3How many days does it last?
myeo-chil sseul su i-sseo-yo?
며칠 쓸 수 있어요?
Local tips
- Prices and plans change; compare on the seller's official page before you buy.
- Our tip: if you're unsure, a data-only eSIM plus Naver passport verification covers most short trips.
FAQ
Should I get an eSIM or a SIM card for Korea?
A data-only eSIM is easiest; get a prepaid SIM with a 010 number if you need calls, texts or a Korean number.
Can tourists get a Korean phone number?
Yes, short-term visitors can open a prepaid SIM with a Korean 010 number using a passport.
Is there a discount on pocket Wi-Fi or eSIM in Korea?
During Welcome Week (Oct 30 – Nov 15, 2026), pocket Wi-Fi and eSIM are up to 25% off for foreign visitors.
Sources: Asia Economy: Korea Grand Festival, Welcome Week deals for visitors (Oct 27, 2026) · Yonhap: Korea Grand Festival from Oct 29 (Oct 27, 2026) · Financial Consumer News: pocket Wi-Fi and eSIM up to 25% off (Oct 27, 2026) · Seoul Economic TV: passport prepaid SIMs for visitors (Jul 15, 2026) · E-Roun: Korean 010 numbers for foreigners (Jul 30, 2026) · Green Economy: visitors struggle to sign up without a Korean number · EBN: Naver adds passport verification (Jun 9, 2026)